Maidstone Liberal Democrats stand with our Nepalese community following Himalayan disaster

Maidstone Liberal Democrats express our deep sadness at the catastrophic flash flood that struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on 26 August, triggered by a huge glacier and rock collapse above the Trishuli river system. Hundreds of people are confirmed dead, with well over a thousand still missing, including a large number of foreign nationals, and rescue operations continue amid fears that a debris dam upstream could still breach.

The disaster will be felt keenly here in Maidstone, home to one of the largest Nepalese communities in the UK — a community whose roots in the town go back to 1994 when the Queen's Gurkha Engineers joined with the 36 Engineer Regiment at Invicta Park Barracks. Many local Nepalese families will have friends and relatives in the affected areas, and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

Councillor Dinesh Khadka  -  Maidstone Liberal Democrats.

‘I am very proud of the very significant contribution the Nepalese Community makes to Maidstone and will ensure that the Borough does all that it can to support those who are affected by these tragic events.’

Michael Stephens - Liberal Democrat Candidate for the Maidstone & Malling Constituency.

"The recent events in Nepal and Tibet are truly tragic. Maidstone's long and proud connection to Nepal thanks to the Queen's Gurkha Regiment, and our vibrant Nepali community means this disaster cuts particularly deep. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to all our Nepali community here in Maidstone, many of whom will be anxiously awaiting news about their friends and loved ones." 

Maidstone Liberal Democrats will continue to work with and support our local Nepalese community, and will share details of any local fundraising or support efforts as they emerge.